HP TouchSmart 520xt review:

HP TouchSmart 520xt

We would not argue that the HP TouchSmart 520 is a slow computer overall, but it is not as fast as the more affordable Lenovo IdeaCentre B520. On every application test, the Lenovo system outperforms the HP by a noticeable margin. The TouchSmart 520 will handle common consumer tasks with acceptable speed, but if you need a desktop for more-demanding chores like HD video editing, large batch image file processing, or gaming, the Lenovo IdeaCentre B520 is a better choice.

The connectivity options on the TouchSmart 520 are useful, but the IdeaCentre B520 wins out here as well in terms of multimedia versatility. Highlights of the TouchSmart 520 include an HDMI input for using the display with external video components (cable box, game console, etc.), a pair of USB 3.0 jacks, a TV tuner, and a coaxial digital audio output. You also get a useful set of hard-display control buttons on the side of the TouchSmart for adjusting the brightness and other settings.

On the Lenovo, alternatively, you get an HDMI in and output, which lets you use the IdeaCentre B520 with an external monitor. You also get component video input for connecting legacy devices, as well as a set of backlit, touch capacitive controls on the front of the Lenovo for swapping between video signals, volume control, and display settings management. Those control buttons not only offer more functionality than the HP's side-located menu controls, but they're also easier to use since Lenovo put them on the front of the system. And they don't add visual clutter since the LED backlighting fades when you're not using the buttons. The HP's only connectivity edge comes by way of its USB 3.0 jacks. Those inputs are welcome, but USB 3.0 devices have not become overly common yet. Given the choice, we'd prefer the Lenovo's HDMI output.

The TouchSmart 520 commits the cardinal sin of providing no power consumption advantage over a faster competitor. Both the TouchSmart and the IdeaCentre B520 fall in the higher range of power draw among all-in-ones in general, but it's a shame that HP can't at least extract some benefit from using a lower power laptop CPU.

HP includes a two-year parts and labor warranty with the TouchSmart 520, an uncommonly generous departure from the industry-standard one-year coverage plan. You also get 24-7 toll-free phone support and a variety of support resources available on HP's Web site, as well as on the system itself.

Conclusion
The HP TouchSmart 520xt has difficulty standing out among HP's own touch-screen all-in-ones, as well as those from other vendors. We could like this system if it had a more aggressive price for its given components, but unless HP makes some value adjustments, we can't recommend this desktop.